Hop-on preps $125 smartphone, 3G phone, more
updated 11:25 am EDT, Fri June 6, 2008
Hop-on Budget Smartphone
Hop-on today unveiled six phones in its very low-cost lineup that branch into new territory for the company. While declining to provide most details, the company promises that its HOP1801 will be the lowest-cost smartphone on the market at $125; the company also plans to have one of the least expensive 3G phones with the HOP1809, a handset that will also supply a camera, Bluetooth, and support for MPEG-4 media playback. A third phone, the HOP1808, will be aimed at frequent travelers with dual SIM card slots for multiple phone accounts; it lacks 3G but shares the other features of the HOP1809 and adds an FM radio tuner.
At the most basic level are the HOP1803, an inexpensive tri-band GSM phone; the HOP1805 for the developing world, and the dual-band HOP1810 which adds a camera to the basic formula.
The company doesn't explain when it plans to release the devices but notes that all of the devices will join the $10 HOP1800 in the North and South American markets as well as going on sale in additional areas; all but the HOP1808 and HOP1809 will be available in the rest of the world.
